James Pattinson to use Big Bash turn with Brisbane Heart to kickstart Test comeback for the Ashes

It has been a year since James Pattinson underwent spinal surgery in a bid to revive his Test career — now he will use a cameo for the Brisbane Heat to kickstart his push for next year’s Ashes.

It’s a long way but Pattinson has already started the journey. (Mark Stewart)

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James Pattinson has set his sights on next year’s Ashes and will use a cameo with the Brisbane Heat to burst back into the national selection debate.

Pattinson will be unveiled by the Heat in next Wednesday’s Big Bash League season opener against reigning champions Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba.

The former Test spearhead is Brisbane’s big-name signing for BBL08, having missed last summer’s entire competition following back surgery.

Pattinson is fully recovered and hungry. (Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Pattinson, 28, was one of Australia’s most promising fast bowling prospects after collecting 70 wickets in his first 17 Tests at the outstanding average of 26.15.

But a string of injuries, including a serious back problem, have kept him out of the Test arena since February, 2016.

It has been just over a year since Pattinson underwent delicate spinal surgery in a bid to revive his Test career.

And the intimidating quick is ready to launch an all-out attack in the BBL in the hope of bursting back into sights of national selectors.

Australia could certainly do with his talents. (Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

“The end goal is to get back and play for Australia — it is a bit of a driving force,” Pattinson told The Courier-Mail.

“I’d love to play for Australia again. Being out of cricket, you miss that adrenaline and feeling you get before games.

“In terms of the pinnacle, to try and win an Ashes series in England is something every Test cricketer would strive for.

“In terms of the biggest challenge then that would definitely be it.”

Pattinson has been slowly working his way back into form with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.

His pace has increased in four Shield matches and, most importantly, he has emerged unscathed following two years of constant setbacks.

Pattinson’s new Heat teammates will get a glimpse of him for the first time when Brisbane plays an intraclub match at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast Wednesday.

And Pattinson cannot wait to rip into life with his new BBL club, having played for the Melbourne Renegades and Stars in the past.

“The big thing I’ve learnt is to be a bit more relaxed with everything and let it run its course,” he said.

“With my personality and the way I bowl, you go at 100 per cent and want everything to happen now. You get frustrated if it doesn’t happen.

“The big thing I’ve learnt is to try and see the long-term vision. I’m trying to work towards having a good career.

“I don’t want to get back for a year or two then have another setback. I want to look long-term.

“I want to be a bit more relaxed about everything and let it fall into place.”

It’s a long way but Pattinson has already started the journey. (Mark Stewart)

Australia will face a five-Test Ashes series in England in August-September next year, a daunting prospect given its recent form.

Pattinson has a way to go to prove he deserves to be back in the baggy green, but the prospect of him bowling alongside pace spearheads Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins is a scary thought.

He wants to get through his BBL campaign with the Heat before further presenting his Test claims in the second half of the Shield season early next year.

“I got a bit more faith in my body that I could get through a whole domestic season,” he said.

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